Daikontaki @ Senbonsyakado

It is held commemorating Jodoe (December 8; The day when Shakyamuni (Buddha) took things philosophically) and the previous day which is December 7 in Senbon-shaka-do Temple at Nishijin.

It cooks with Aburage (deep-fried tofu) after a Brahman character is written in Daikon that the supporting member of the temple offered and the incantation prayer of a paralysis and various sicknesses is done. It seems that the origin is that the saint in this temple in the Kamakura age looked on a Brahman character written Daikon as a talisman against evil spirits.

Fee: 1,000 yen

Inoue Takehiko's "Shinran" @ Higashi Honganji Temple

Inoue Takehiko is a Japanese manga artist, best known for the basketball manga Slam Dunk, which has become a success both in Japan and overseas. He created a portrait of Shinran who is the founder of Jodo Shinshu sect on a folding screen by request from Higashi Honganji Temple.

The folding screen is on exhibit as follows;

Term: 4/4 - 4/17

Place: Ooshinden in Hgashi Honganji Temple

Fee: FREE, numbered tickets are given from 8:50 in every morning.

It takes only a minute walk to Higashi Honganji Temple from Kyoto Hana Hostel.

Both female and mixed dorm rooms cost 2,500 yen per person per night.

Twin and double ensuite rooms cost 3,900 yen per person per night.

Why don't stay with us after watching the folding screen?

Chinowa kuguri *Wish for the next half year*

The huge CHINOWA ring appears to every shrines in Kyoto for this special period of the year.
People walk through inside of this huge ring and write the age, name and wishes on a paper doll.

It's absolutely one of the best time to visit shrines and temples for the fresh shinny green maple leaves.
In the young and lively air, we let our foulness and wish good fortune for the coming half year.

June 25th to 30th
Jonangu shrine Kitanotenmangu shrine Shimogamo and Kamigamo shrine
Umemiya shrine Kibune shrine Shiramine shrine Jishu shrine Yoshida shrine
and almost all the shrines in Kyoto.(Bus and JR trains covers most of the shrines )
Most of the special ceremonies are held on the 30th June.

Observe the lotus flowers at Hokongoin Temple

Place: Hokongoin Temple (法金剛院）

Date: July 10th - August 1st

Time: 7:00 - 16:00

Access: Take JR Sagano line (San in line) from Kyoto station. (11 min. 190 yen)
Get off at Hanazono station and walk up north for 5 minutes
It's also on our Backpackers Map (the map you get when you check in)

Entrance Fee: adults 400 yen, children (under 18) 300 yen